> 3 


V ft  j 


The  Genius  and  Moral  Achievements  of  the  Spirit  of 
Foreign  Missions. 


A 


SERMON 


PREACHED  IN  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 


JOHN’S  ISLAND,  S.  C. 


DECEMBER  J8,  1836. 


BY  REV.  ELIPHA  WHITE, 

PASTOR. 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED  BY  CROCKER  & BREWSTER. 
47  Washing-ton  Street. 


1837. 


This  sermon,  with  a few  alterations,  preached  to  the  John’s  Island  and 
Wadmalaw  Presbyterian  Church  and  Congregation,  which  responded  in 
the  annexed  resolutions,  was  originally  designed,  according  to  appoint, 
ment,  for  the  last  anniversary  of  the  Southern  Board  of  Foreign  Missions, 
to  which  it  is  now  respectfully  dedicated, 

By  the  Author. 


SERMON. 


Hebrews  x,  9. 

Lo,  I come  to  do  tliy  will,  O God. 

The  spirit  of  this  would  have  carried  our 
Saviour  through  any  suffering,  in  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  will  of  heaven.  It  was  the  same 
that  led  him  to  the  cross,  a sacrifice  for  man’s  re- 
demption ; than  which  a purer  spirit  never  ani- 
mated the  bosom  of  God  himself. 

A kindred  spirit  led  the  prophet  Isaiah,  whose 
hallowed  lips  had  been  touched  with  a live  coal 
from  off  the  altar,  to  say,  “ Here  am  I ; send  me.” 
He  was  ready  to  go  wherever  sent,  in  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  designs  of  heaven,  to  meliorate 
the  condition  of  his  fellow-men. 

The  same  spirit  was  inculcated  by  our  Lord  in 
his  last  command  to  the  Apostles,  saying,  “ Go, 
and  teach  all  nations  to  observe  all  things'  what- 
soever I have  commanded  you.”  Nor  were  they 
backward  in  the  fulfilment  of  this  command. 


4 


Not  unlike  this  was  the  spirit  that  carried  mar- 
tyrs through  persecution,  dungeons,  torture,  flames 
and  death  itself,  in  the  spread  of  the  blessings  of 
salvation.  They  loved  God  more  than  they  feared 
their  tormentors,  or  even  the  king  of  terrors,  and 
went  forward  in  the  work  assigned  them  to  do. 

A similar  spirit  has  animated  the  good  and  pious 
of  every  succeeding  age,  to  the  present  period. 
They  have  ever  been  ready  to  say,  “ Lo,  I come 
to  do  thy  will,  O God  “ Here  am  I ; send  me 
or  to  “ Go  and  preach  the  gospel,” — send  it  to  the 
destitute. 

And  this  is  the  very  spirit  of  missions.  Your 
attention,  then,  may  be  directed  to  the  genius 
and  moral  achievements  of  the  spirit  of  foreign 
missions. 

A subject  that  has  been  opposed  as  chimerical, 
and  even  absurd.  Nor  has  this  opposition  been 
confined  to  the  mere  worldling  and  open  infidel; 
but  it  is  felt,  and  sometimes  manifested,  by  pro- 
fessing Christians.  Of  such,  however,  it  should 
be  said  in  charity,  they  are  not  well  informed,  or 
act  under  a wrong  impression  ; for  we  can  hardly 
conceive  it  possible,  that  an  enlightened  Christian, 
of  benevolent  feelings,  should  be  opposed  to  the 
spirit  of  their  Lord  and  Saviour,  prophets,  apostles, 
martyrs  and  Christians  generally. 

The  opposition  of  others  is  natural — what  we 
are  ever  to  expect.  They  either  deny  the  re- 
ality of  religion,  and  deem  it  absurd  to  urge  its 


5 


claims  ; or  love  themselves  and  their  possessions, 
and  those  around,  more  than  the  destitute  of  hea- 
then lands  and  foreign  climes.  They  oppose, 
therefore,  every  effort  to  send  the  gospel  abroad. 

Regardless  of  opposition,  however,  we  are  to 
contemplate, 

I.  The  Genius  of  the  Spirit  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions. Unlike  the  spirit  of  the  world,  it  leads  to 
nothing  unworthy  and  doubtful.  The  genius  of  the 
religion  of  Pagans,  leads  to  scenes  of  wickedness 
and  deeds  of  iniquity ; journies  fatiguing  and  of 
doubtful  result;  personal  sufferings  and  death  itself. 
That  of  the  religion  of  Mahometans,  to  warlike 
deeds  of  valor,  and  long  pilgrimages  to  Mecca  : 
and  that  of  the  religion  of  Jews,  to  boasted  works 
and  numerous  ceremonies  ; while  the  genius  of  the 
religion  of  Christians — the  spirit  of  foreign  mis- 
sions— is  humble,  peaceable,  long-suffering,  perse- 
vering and  overpowering. 

It  is  humble.  Though  ennobling  in  itself,  and 
leading  to  works  of  infinite  magnitude,  attended 
with  success  unparalleled,  like  its  author,  the  meek 
and  lowly  Jesus,  it  claims  no  earthly  honor  and 
feels  no  unhallowed  pride.  Its  triumph  over  the 
hearts  of  individuals,  communities  and  whole  na- 
tions, excites  no  proud,  ambitious  feelings. 
Amidst  the  honors  of  victory  and  the  joys  of  par- 
doned sinners,  the  spirit  of  foreign  missions  re- 
mains humble.  No  success,  no  communicated  good, 


6 


and  no  promised  reward,  can  divest  it  of  humility. 
This  is  its  genius. 

To  engage,  then,  successfully  in  the  cause  of 
missions,  we  must  be  humble.  Pride  and  ambi- 
tion accords  not  with  the  employment.  Yet  hum- 
ble hearts  and  hallowed  feelings  may  engage  with 
God,  angels  and  Christians,  in  man’s  redemption. 
Nor  may  ought  deprive  us  of  success,  while  our 
hearts  beat  in  unison  with  the  spirit  of  our  work. 

It  is  peaceable.  Though  it  destroys  the  peace 
of  many,  and  excites  the  enmity  of  every  heathen, 
peace  is  the  genius  of  the  spirit  of  foreign  mis- 
sions. It  breathes  not  a breath  of  opposition  ; 
cherishes  not  a hostile  feeling,  and  manifests  no 
warlike  action.  In  all  its  movements  the  very 
spirit  of  peace  is  seen.  “ Peace  on  earth,  and 
good  will  to  men,”  announced  the  arrival  of  the 
first  foreign  missionary  to  our  world.  Nor  has  the 
spirit,  brought  from  the  skies,  forsaken  the  cause 
he  thus  espoused.  He  loves  it  still,  and  will  love 
it  to  the  end,  till  peace  reigns  through  the  abodes 
of  men. 

Nor  may  we  destroy  it.  But,  with  the  peace 
of  pardoned  sin  in  our  bosoms,  peace  with  our  fel- 
low-men, and  peace  with  heaven,  we  may  engage 
in  the  work  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and  send  the 
gospel  to  the  heathen.  It  would  be  a happy  coin- 
cidence of  feeling  with  the  genius  of  the  spirit  of 
missions. 


7 


It  is  long-suffering.  Though  trials  new  and 
many  arise,  and  discouragements  attend  the  effort, 
the  spirit  of  foreign  missions  patiently  endures 
every  evil.  Though  the  missionary  abroad  prove 
unfaithful ; though  he  sicken  and  die  in  an  unheal- 
thy clime  ; or  though  he  be  destroyed  by  the  un- 
feeling cannibal,  the  evil  is  borne  with  submission. 
Though  false  religions  persecute;  civil  governments 
interfere  ; and  missionaries  are  driven  from  their 
stations,  it  must  be  endured  without  a murmur. 
For  long-suffering  is  the  spirit  of  missions.  Its 
genius  sustains  it  under  every  discouragement. 

To  encounter  trial,  then,  with  composure,  is 
necessary  to  such  employment.  We  may  not  hope 
to  engage  in  it  without  suffering  evils.  And  we 
must  endure  them  as  good  soldiers  of  the  cross. 
It  is  thus  only  that  we  come  up  to  the  genius  of 
our  work. 

It  is  persevering.  No  evils,  great  or  lasting,  sub- 
due entirely  the  spirit  of  missions.  It  perseveres 
to  the  end.  Obstacles  are  thus  removed  ; facili- 
ties discovered ; and,  ultimately,  the  end  will  be 
attained.  For 

It  is  overpowering.  Nothing  may  successfully 
resist  the  spirit  of  all  grace.  It  will  finally  tri- 
umph over  the  hearts  of  men.  Though  long  re- 
sisted, disappointments  interpose,  and  success  seem 
doubtful,  the  final  result  is  most  certain ; the 
genius  of  the  spirit  of  foreign  missions  is  overpow- 
ering. It  is  sustained  by  the  Eternal,  who  has 


8 


promised  to  subdue  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  to 
the  dominion  of  his  Son.  Certain,  then,  as  the 
promise  of  Jehovah  is  immutable,  is  the  result  of 
foreign  missions. 

And,  successfully  to  engage  in  the  work,  we 
must  be  possessed  of  an  unwavering  belief  in  this  ; 
and  persevere  to  its  full  accomplishment.  Noth- 
ing may  shake  our  confidence  in  God,  or  the  end 
proposed,  while  wre  pursue  our  course  with  fixed 
resolution,  in  accordance  with  the  genius  of  the 
spirit  of  missions. 

Thus  humbly  and  peaceably,  with  persevering 
patience  and  subduing  energy,  the  spirit  of  foreign 
missions  moves  forward  in  the  accomplishment  of 
the  will  of  heaven. 

II.  The  moral  achievements  of  the  spirit  of 
foreign  missions.  Differing  from  those  of  Egypt, 
Assyria,  Persia,  Greece  and  Rome  of  ancient  fame, 
and  those  of  modern  date  in  France,  Russia,  Eng- 
land and  America,  they  are  not  immortalized  in 
the  poet’s  song,  or  orator’s  theme  ; the  conqueror’s 
triumphal  arch,  or  hero’s  wreath  of  fame  ; the 
walled  city,  or  the  immortal  guard  ; the  marble 
monument,  or  the  catacomb  of  the  dead  : but  are 
not  less  visible,  useful  and  durable  in  the  promise 
to  the  fallen  parents  of  the  human  family  ; the  re- 
moval of  Israel  to  the  land  of  Canaan  ; the  ad- 
vent, suffering,  and  death  of  Christ ; the  course 
of  apostles ; the  struggle  of  martyrs  ; the  work 
of  reformers,  and  the  recent  effort  of  Christian 
benevolence. 


9 


No  sooner  had  the  first  parents  of  the  human 
family  fallen  from  their  state  of  rectitude  in  Eden, 
and  raised  the  standard  of  earth’s  rebellion,  than 
the  spirit  of  missions  achieved  a moral  wonder  in 
the  promise  of  man's  redemption.  Though  con- 
fined, at  that  period,  to  the  skies,  it  was  a spirit  of 
foreign  enterprise  that  thus  guaranteed  a Saviour  to 
the  fallen  inhabitants  of  this  revolted  province. 
Ilad  heaven  never  promised  to  send  a missionary 
from  above,  to  teach  the  sons  and  daughters  of 
Adam  the  way  back  to  Eden  on  high,  they  must 
have  remained  outcasts  from  the  favor  of  God  for- 
ever. But,  happy  for  them  and  us,  the  spirit  of 
missions  reigns  in  heaven.  Wonderful  moral 
achievement  of  enduring  praise  was  the  promise  of 
God  to  fallen  man.  It  lighted  up  a smile  of  joy 
in  the  prospect  of  woe,  and  rendered  earth,  cursed 
of  the  Almighty,  an  abode  of  peace  to  the  hum- 
ble. Its  happy  effects  are  still  felt ; nor  will  they 
cease  while  the  happiness  of  man  is  worthy  of 
heaven. 

The  r emoval  of  Israel  to  the  land  of  promise 
was,  also,  an  achievement  of  kindred  spirit.  They 
were  the  chosen  of  the  Lord,  embracing  the  few 
who  honored  him  and  lived  for  heaven.  They 
were,  therefore,  taken  from  their  limited  sphere  of 
action  and  sent,  not  as  individual  missionaries,  but 
a nation,  to  teach  the  will  of  heaven,  and  diffuse 
the  blessings  of  salvation.  Egypt  they  left,  and 
forty  years  wandered  in  the  wilderness,  till  they 
9 


10 


received  their  commission,  and  were  prepared  to 
pass  over  Jordan.  Then  to  Canaan  they  went, 
and  taught  the  heathen  the  way  of  life  through  the 
promised  Messiah,  Jesus  Christ;  and,  in  anticipa- 
tion of  his  coming,  they  were  long  preparing  to 
receive  him  ; though,  as  a temporal  king,  he  did 
not  fail  to  make  provision  for  their  eternal  salvation. 
Nor  was  the  achievement  of  their  deliverance  from 
Egypt  and  conquest  of  Canaan  less  the  effect  of  the 
spirit  of  missions,  than  though  they  had  fully  under- 
stood the  gospel  plan  of  redemption.  They  were  the 
pioneers  in  the  work  of  saving  men  ; and,  though 
ignorant  of  the  true  character  of  Christ,  they  were 
still  the  messengers  of  mercy  to  the  heathenish 
idolator.  Their  influence  on  the  heathen  and 
the  world  was  a moral  achievement  of  infinite  mo- 
ment. Nor  will  it  cease  to  be  admired  while  the 
song  of  the  redeemed  is  chanted. 

Another  achievement  still  greater,  and  never  to 
be  forgotten,  was  witnessed  in  the  advent , suffer- 
ing and  death  of  Christ.  It  looked  back  to  the 
first  promise  of  a Saviour  in  the  garden  ; and  for- 
ward through  all  coming  time  ; was  originally  at- 
tended by  a heavenly  choir  : then  called  forth  the 
sympathies  of  the  pious  ; and  finally  rent  rocks 
and  veiled  the  sun  in  darkness.  Nature  could  not 
behold  the  stupendous  work  without  a heaving 
bosom.  Earth  was  clothed  in  mourning,  though 
it  was  the  world’s  last  hope.  But  for  this,  man 
might  have  rallied  around  the  standard  of  rebellion, 


11 


and  gloried  in  his  wickedness  forever  ; heaven  had 
never  been  attained,  and  all  happiness  must  have 
been  denied.  Noble  achievement ! Ever-endur- 
ing praise  to  him  who  thus  achieved  the  work  of 
man’s  redemption.  Spirit  of  missions  ! what  hast 
thou  done  for  revolted,  fallen  man  ? A messenger 
from  the  skies  alone  could  have  achieved  so  much 
by  suffering  and  death.  To  the  spirit  of  missions 
and  the  God  of  glory  be  all  the  praise. 

Still  another  achievement,  of  increasing  impor- 
tance, was  witnessed  in  the  course  of  the  apostles. 
They  followed  the  example  of  him  who  had  laid 
down  his  life  for  men,  and  went  about  doing  good. 
Nor  were  they  restrained  from  their  course  by 
mockings,  cruel  scourging,  imprisonment,  or  tor- 
ture. They  were  moved  by  none  of  these  things  ; 
pursued  their  course  in  spreading  far  and  wide  the 
news  of  salvation.  Nor  were  there  any  of  the 
then  known  world  to  whom  they  did  not  preach 
Christ,  and  him  crucified.  To  their  influence  and 
example  the  world  is  indebted  for  much  of  its  en- 
joyment. Nor  will  the  importance  of  their  course 
ever  cease  to  be  felt.  It  was  a moral  achievement 
worthy  of  the  apostles  of  our  Lord  Jesus.  And 
it  was  effected  by  the  spirit  of  foreign  missions. 
Worthy  example  ! Happy  effect  of  the  spirit  of 
missions  ! 

The  struggle  of  martyrs , for  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  and  the  salvation  of  men,  was  another 
achievement  of  equal  moment.  For  it  was 


12 


through  them  that  the  religion  of  Christ  rode  out 
the  storm  of  ten  persecutions,  and  the  gathering 
darkness  of  twelve  centuries.  They  bled  and 
died  ; but  their  spirit  was  caught  by  those  who 
followed,  and  the  light  of  heaven  was  thus  pre- 
served amidst  the  darkness  with  which  the  world 
was  overspread.  A moral  achievement  worthy 
of  the  better  days  of  Christianity  ; and  that  re- 
flects immortal  honor  on  the  martyr,  who,  with 
the  spirit  of  his  Master,  endured  every  hardship, 
and  persevered  in  doing  good  to  the  end. 

Again,  the  work  of  reformers  was  an  achieve- 
ment of  the  spirit  of  missions.  They  went  to  the 
work  with  the  humility,  peace  and  fixed  resolution 
characteristic  of  heaven’s  messengers.  Nor  would 
they  be  driven  from  the  work  assigned  them  to  do. 
They  persevered,  through  opposition  and  suffering, 
to  the  accomplishment  of  their  undertaking.  And, 
through  them,  light  again  beamed  on  the  world  ; 
ignorance,  superstition  and  idolatry  rolled  hack 
upon  the  darkness  of  the  past,  and  new  scenes  and 
brighter  prospects  opened  before  them.  It  seemed 
like  a world  waking  from  the  slumber  of  ages. 
The  spirit  of  missions  was  abroad  in  the  earth, 
and  reformers  achieved  wonders. 

The  last  achievement  of  the  spirit  of  foreign 
missions  is  witnessed  in  the  recent  efforts  of  Chris- 
tian benevolence.  These  efforts  commenced  with 
the  present  century,  and  are  now  being  made  more 
successfully.  Already  have  they  dissipated  the 


13 


gloom  of  former  times,  and  cheered  the  despond- 
ing hopes  of  those  sitting  in  darkness.  Wherever 
extended,  men  are  becoming  more  civilized.  They 
feel  more  the  importance  of  their  being,  the  digni- 
ty of  their  natures,  and  the  responsibilities  of  their 
stations.  The  claims  of  societv  are  understood, 
the  rights  of  civil  government  are  acknowledged, 
and  the  requisitions  of  heaven  are  felt  to  be  bind- 
ing. And  thus  new  restraints  arc  imposed,  society 
improved,  and  civilization  advanced, — as  appears 
among  the  savage  Indians  of  the  West,  in  the 
Islands  of  the  Pacific,  at  Sierra  Leone  and  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  on  the  Island  of  Ceylon,  in 
the  Burman  Empire,  and  wherever  the  missionary 
of  the  cross  has  taught  the  religion  of  Christ.  Never 
has  man  advanced  in  civilization  with  equal 
rapidity  as  since  these  efforts  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence. They  have  given  a new  spring  to  life,  and 
civil  society  is  advancing. 

These  efforts  are  also  increasing  literary  attain- 
ments ; have  added  much  to  the  literature  of  the 
age.  They  have  made  new  discoveries  in  almost 
every  branch  of  science,  and  new  attainments  in 
whatever  is  useful.  There  is  scarcely  a region  of 
our  globe  that  Christian  missionaries  have  not  ex- 
plored. They  have  travelled  sea  and  land;  brought 
into  requisition  the  resources  of  the  deep  and  the 
mines  of  the  earth ; surveyed  the  river  to  its 
source,  the  inlet,  gulf  and  lake ; wandered  on 
plains,  through  valleys,  over  mountains  and  amidst 


14 


forests ; dwelt  in  cities  and  villages,  and  among 
wandering  savages ; received  the  hospitality  of 
the  great,  and  partaken  of  the  morsel  of  squalid 
wretchedness.  And  from  each  source  have  drawn 
information  to  increase  our  literature.  Nor  is  the 
literary  world  sufficiently  aware  of  its  obligations 
to  the  humble,  persevering,  benevolent  efforts  of 
Christians. 

Further,  they  are  raising  the  female  character. 
A surer  index  to  the  spread  of  religion  may  not, 
perhaps,  be  found,  than  the  estimation  in  which 
females  are  held.  It  is  the  Christian  religion  only 
that  has  raised  them  to  the  rank  for  which  they 
were  designed.  In  no  age  and  no  nation,  where 
the  religion  of  Jesus  has  not  prevailed,  have  they 
ranked  as  equals.  Even  now,  in  heathen  nations, 
they  are  little  more  than  servants  ; while,  in  every 
Christian  land,  they  are  equals, companions,  friends. 
But  their  characters  are  rising  in  the  estimation  of 
heathens ; even  where  they  were  once  degraded 
and  neglected,  they  are  now  respected,  and  will 
soon  be  highly  estimated;  as  in  Turkey,  Hindoo- 
stan  and  the  Sandwich  Islands.  And  it  is  Chris- 
tian benevolence  that  has  wrought  this  change, 
and  will  carry  it  forward,  till  male  and  female  are 
one  in  the  Lord,  and  companions  of  equal  worth. 
Happy  result ! most  sensibly  felt  by  those  op- 
pressed. 

Again,  by  these  efforts  the  standard  of  morality 
is  elevated.  Already  have  they  effected  much, 


15 


and  will  ultimately  raise  it  to  the  fixed  standard  of 
heaven,  the  word  of  God.  Men  will  be  brought 
to  feel  that  there  is  but  one  standard  of  moral  ac- 
tion, the  will  of  heaven  ; a result  that  Christians 
themselves  are  more  fully  to  understand,  and  that 
all  are  to  acknowledge.  They  are  beginning  to 
feel  that  men  are  responsible,  and  must  be  moral. 
Nor  is  this  feeling  without  its  influence.  They 
are  more  circumspect  in  their  walk  and  conversa- 
tion, more  upright  in  their  dealings,  and  more  ob- 
servant of  the  forms  of  religion  ; as  appears  among 
the  truly  pious  in  our  own  land,  and  the  more  en- 
lightened of  every  other.  And  this  may  be  traced 
to  the  spreading  influence  of  religious  truth — be- 
nevolent, Christian  effort. 

Finally,  these  efforts  promote  the  piety  and  hap- 
piness of  mankind.  Though  fallen  and  degraded, 
men  may  be  renewed  and  exalted  ; and,  so  far  as 
brought  under  the  influence  of  the  spirit  of  mis- 
sions, they  are  pious  and  happy.  Their  feelings 
and  sympathies  are  brought  into  unison  with  the 
pure  and  holy  ; and  their  happiness  is  necessarily 
promoted.  Nor  is  this  a doubtful  result  of  the 
influence  of  benevolent  efforts.  They  promote  the 
piety  and  happiness  of  those  engaged  in  the  work, 
and  of  all  who  feel  their  influence.  And,  as  these 
are  increasing,  they  must  ultimately  be  felt  through 
the  world  ; piety  and  happiness  will  be  extended 
to  the  heathen  of  Europe,  Asia,  Africa  and  Amer- 
ica— all  mankind. 


16 


Thus,  in  benevolent  efforts,  the  spirit  of  foreign 
missions  is  civilizing,  enlightening,  elevating,  mor- 
alizing and  Christianizing  the  whole  world.  Nor 
will  it  cease  its  efforts,  till  “ the  kingdom  and 
dominion,  and  greatness  of  the  kingdom  under  the 
whole  heaven  be  given  to  the  people  of  the  saints 
of  the  Most  High,”  and  all  nations,  kindreds, 
tongues  and  people  submissive  yield  to  the  will  of 
the  Eternal. 

Glorious  achievements  ! Extending  back  to  the 
fall — forward  to  the  close  of  time, — around  to  all — 
and  up  to  heaven  ! Worthy  of  the  spirit  of  for- 
eign missions!  Worthy!  respond  the  fallen  of 
Eden;  the  favorites  of  Canaan;  the  weeping  of 
Calvary  ; chosen  apostles  ; bleeding  martyrs  ; per- 
secuted reformers,  and  Christians  universally. 
Enduring  monuments  of  praise  to  the  moral 
achievements  of  the  spirit  of  foreign  missions. 

In  view  of  this  subject  we  learn,  first,  that  the 
work  of  foreign  missions  brings  into  action  the 
noblest  principles  and  best  feelings  of  man.  Only 
that  which  is  high  and  ennobling  accords  with  the 
genius  of  its  spirit ; and,  possessed  of  this,  our 
feelings  must  be  pure  and  elevated  ; they  must 
sympathize  with  the  sorrows  and  wants  of  the 
destitute ; the  good  will  and  holy  aspirations  of 
the  pious  ; the  hallowed  devotions  of  sainted  spir- 
its, and  the  love  of  God  himself.  And  what  feel- 
ings are  more  worthy  ? Whose  bosoms  are  warmed 


17 


and  animated  with  emotions  purer?  Naught  tliis 
side  perfection  infinite  surpass  feelings  thus  pure 
and  exalted.  They  are  the  best  of  which  wre  are 
susceptible. 

Nor  are  the  principles  involved  less  dignified 
and  noble.  They  are  the  principles  that  govern 
heaven  and  achieve  wonders — the  grand  principles 
of  the  gospel,  that  led  Christ  through  suffering 
and  death  in  the  work  of  redemption  ; carried 
apostles  and  martyrs  through  persecution  and 
flames,  and  now  conduct  Christians  over  seas  and 
lands  to  foreign  shores  and  heathen  climes.  They 
are  the  ground  work  of  personal  piety  and  benevo- 
lent action  ; and  nothing  worthy  of  Christians  and 
acceptable  to  God  flows  from  any  other.  AVhile 
engaged,  therefore,  in  the  work,  and  with  the 
spirit  of  missions,  we  are  actuated  by  the  noblest 
principles — pure,  holy,  exalted  principles  of  true 
piety  and  expansive  benevolence. 

And  with  these  principles  and  feelings  we  attain 
the  dignity  of  acknowledged  worth  and  conscious 
happiness — the  highest  attainment  of  man.  No 
earthly  attainment  can  raise  him  to  a higher  moral 
elevation.  An  elevation  from  which  he  looks  out 
on  the  extended  field  of  wickedness  that  employs 
all  the  energies  of  his  benevolence  and  the  sym- 
pathies of  his  soul.  And  thus  the  direct  and  re- 
flex influence  of  the  work  of  foreign  missions  is 
beneficial  in  developing  the  better  feelings  and 
strengthening  the  noblest  principles  of  man. 

3 


18 


We  also  learn,  secondly,  that  all  narrow,  selfish 
and  sectarian  views  and  interests  are  forever  ex- 
cluded from  the  work  of  foreign  missions.  They  are 
at  variance  with  the  genius  of  its  spirit,  and  can 
never  harmonize  with  the  work.  However  zealous 
we  may  appear,  or  whatever  sacrifices  we  may 
make,  while  influenced  by  contracted  views  and 
selfish  motives,  we  are  destitute  of  the  spirit  of 
missions,  and  may  never  share  in  the  rewards  of 
its  triumph.  It  would  rob  Christ,  the  first  mis- 
sionary, of  the  cross,  who  came  to  do  the  will  of 
his  Father,  and  all  others,  prophets,  apostles,  mar- 
tyrs and  Christians,  who  have  followed  his  exam- 
ple, of  their  glory. 

There  is  no  unworthy  party  object  to  be  at- 
tained by  this  work.  It  is  above  all  parties,  ex- 
cept the  party  of  the  redeemed,  whose  plans  em- 
brace the  salvation  of  all  in  the  reign  of  righteous- 
ness  ; plans  that  a single  sectarian  would  forever 
frustrate.  His  limited  views,  partial  feelings  and 
selfish  interests  would  shut  the  avenues  of  his 
bosom  to  righteousness  complete,  and  hold  its 
reign  over  the  world  in  doubtful  suspense.  Nor 
might  the  kingdoms  and  dominions  of  the  earth 
be  claimed  for  the  saints  of  the  Most  High,  while 
spirits  such  were  found  among  its  ranks.  Their 
pride  must  be  subdued,  their  souls  enlarged,  and 
their  plans  harmonized  with  those  of  heaven,  ere 
the  work  of  foreign  missions  is  accomplished. 


10 


Thus  excluded  is  every  unhallowed  motive  and 
party  feeling.  They  are  denied  an  interest  in  the 
work.  It  is  too  sacred  for  their  unhallowed  touch 
— too  heavenly  for  such  a spirit.  The  spirit  of 
earth  may  never  mingle  in  the  work  of  Christ. 
Deceive  not  yourself;  party  zeal  is  not  the  love 
of  souls — the  spirit  of  missions. 

Again,  thirdly,  we  learn  that  Christians  of  every 
denomination  may  cordially  and  harmoniously  unite 
in  the  work  of  foreign  missions  irrespective  of 
their  ecclesiastical  peculiarities.  The  great  lead- 
ing principles  of  the  gospel,  necessary  to  salvation, 
are  generally  embraced  by  all  the  different  denom- 
inations of  Christians ; and  their  peculiarities  al- 
most uniformly  consist  in  some  of  the  non-essen- 
tials of  religion.  Right  or  wrong,  therefore,  in 
their  ecclesiastical  forms  and  ceremonies — distinc- 
tive features,  they  may  cordially  and  harmoniously 
unite  on  the  principles  common  to  all,  in  saving 
the  world.  Nor  is  it  necessary  to  this  that  they 
should  loose  their  identity,  or  even  relinquish  their 
attachment  to  a single  peculiarity.  They  may  re- 
tain their  favorite  names,  and  all  their  characteris- 
tics, while  they  combine  their  energies  in  the  work 
of  foreign  missions. 

This  requires  nothing  but  truth — saving  truth — 
mutually  embraced,  and  the  means  of  communi- 
cating it  to  the  destitute.  Means  and  truth  that 
all  must  employ,  and  that  may  (under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit)  prove  effectual  to  their 


20 


■salvation.  Nothing,  therefore,  is  essential  to  this 
union  that  unchristians  any  denomination,  or  even 
robs  it  of  a single  peculiar  characteristic. 

Why,  then,  should  Christians  of  different  names 
refuse  to  unite  in  the  work  of  foreign  missions  ? 
Why  divide  their  energies,  exhaust  their  funds, 
expend  their  time,  and  alienate  their  affections  in 
separate  action  P Are  they  not  responsible  for  the 
increased  labor  and  expense  ? And  are  not  thou- 
sands of  perishing  heathen  thus  denied  the  means 
of  salvation  ? Those  necessary  to  sustain  differ- 
ent organizations  would  be  sufficient  to  send  the 
gospel  to  whole  nations.  They  are  heavy  drafts 
upon  the  benevolence  of  Christians,  ministerial  la- 
bors, and  the  treasury  of  the  Lord.  Nor  may  they 
be  drawn  and  honored  without  responsibility.  A 
responsibility  that  Christians  should  duly  estimate. 
They  are  answerable  to  God  and  the  souls  of  men  ; 
and  to  them  they  must  give  an  account. 

Fourthly,  we  further  learn  the  presumptuous 
and  hazardous  course  of  the  enemies  of  foreign 
missions.  Presumptuous,  because  there  is  no  hope 
of  success.  They  may  never  stop  its  progress. 
Hazardous,  because  it  may  be  attended  with 
ruin.  They  may  be  crushed  in  their  opposition. 
The  cause  they  oppose  is  the  cause  of  heaven. 
It  has  enlisted  the  sympathies  of  Christians;  and 
God,  himself,  is  pledged  to  carry  it  forward.  Nor 
will  he  fail  to  accomplish  his  purpose  and  give  the 
world  to  his  Son  for  an  inheritance. 


21 


How  unequal  the  contest ! What  folly  and 
madness  for  man  thus  to  contend  with  his  Maker ! 
Does  he  hope  to  succeed  against  the  Almighty  ? 
Has  he  no  sympathy  for  souls  immortal  ? Would 
he  roll  back  the  tide  of  benevolence,  and  over- 
whelm those,  for  whom  Christ  died,  in  ruin  ? Pre- 
sumption indeed ! And  still  more  hazardous ! 
Shame,  confusion,  and  everlasting  contempt  must 
be  the  result ! 

And,  finally,  we  learn  the  zeal  and  fixedness  of 
purpose  with  which  its  friends  should  hasten  the 
accomplishment  of  a work  so  glorious.  They 
have  nought  to  fear — success  is  certain.  Though 
clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  it ; though 
providence  seem  to  frown  for  the  moment,  and 
though  Christians  become  disheartened,  they  will 
still  pray  and  labor  for  it ; providence  will  again 
smile  upon  it,  and  God  almighty  will  support  it. 
What  have  its  friends  to  fear  P Why  should  they 
delay  ? 

Begin  anew,  with  new  zeal  and  fixed  purpose  ; 
nor  let  the  cause  languish  for  want  of  aid.  Sixty 
missionaries  recently  waited  the  order  of  the 
American  churches.  Some  have  already  gone  at 
their  bidding,  and  are  now  borne  on  the  waves  of 
the  ocean  to  their  destined  stations  amonjr  the 
heathen.  Others  wait  your  further  order,  and  will 
go  at  a moment’s  warning. 

But  will  you  send  them  from  their  homes,  their 
friends  and  their  country  without  the  means  to 


22 


feed  and  clothe  them  ? They  ask  no  more.  Their 
possessions,  their  lives  and  their  all  are  sacredly 
devoted  to  God  and  foreign  missions.  Give  them 
the  plainest  food  (not  the  delicacies  of  your  board) 
and  they  will  labor  hard,  and,  if  need  be,  die  on 
heathen  shores — with  no  pillow  to  rest  their  weary 
heads  ; no  friend  to  soothe  their  troubled  bosoms, 
and  no  soft  hand  to  wipe  away  the  cold  sweat  of 
death.  It  is  enough  that  Jesus  is  with  them,  and 
they  are  accounted  worthy  to  labor,  and  suffer, 
and  die  in  his  cause. 

Friends  of  the  Redeemer,  what  will  you  give 
them  ? What  will  you  do  for  the  cause  of  foreign 
missions  ? Could  I obtain  from  this  and  every 
other  church  in  the  land,  a respond — six  hundred 
dollars  annually , to  support  a missionary — those 
hungering  for  the  bread  of  life  would  soon  enjoy 
the  blessing,  and  every  Christian  on  earth,  and  all 
heaven  exclaim,  Amen. 


23 


The  respond  of  the  John’s  Island  and  Wadmalaw  church 
and  congregation,  to  the  above  sermon,  will  be  found  in  the 
following  preamble  and  resolutions  : — 

“ Sensible  of  our  obligations  to  Christ  and  his  religion  for 
most  of  our  present  enjoyments,  and  all  our  future  hopes — 
and,  whereas,  many  of  our  fellow-creatures  in  heathen  lands 
and  of  other  climes  are  destitute  of  these  blessings;  and, 
whereas,  Christ  hath  commanded  his  disciples  to  send  the 
gospel  to  every  creature,  therefore, 

“ Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  and  supporters  of  the 
John’s  Island  and  Wadmalaw  Presbyterian  Church  and  So- 
ciety, will  furnish  the  sum  of  six  hundred  dollars  annually 
for  the  next  five  years,  or  while  Providence  shall  favor  us 
with  the  means  to  support  a missionary  of  the  gospel  among 
the  heathen. 

“ Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  six  hundred  dollars,  raised  in 
accordance  with  the  above  resolution,  be  and  it  hereby  is 
appropriated  to  the  support  of  the  Rev.  J.  Leighton  Wilson, 
at  Cape  Palmas,  in  Africa. 

“ Resolved,  That  this  money,  and  a copy  of  these  resolu- 
tions, be  transmitted  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Southern  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  with  a request  to  forward  the  same  to  the 
above  missionary,  through  the  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions ; also,  that  the  above  preamble 
and  resolutions  be  published  in  the  Charleston  Observer. 

THOMAS  LEG  ARE,  Chairman. 

Kinsey  Burden,  Jr.,  Secretary.” 


